NORMA WALTON, SIX REASONS TO BE JOYFUL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

December is a stressful month.  Many things are coming to an end; everyone is rushing around; we are trying to prepare for the holidays; a lot of cooking is required; it becomes dark early; and time seems in short supply.

I find it helpful during times of stress to focus on the reasons to be joyful.  Here are my six reasons to be joyful this holiday season:

Reason # 1:  We live in Canada

Living in Canada means our quality of life is likely better than 85% of people living elsewhere in the world.

When you consider how lucky we are to have been born Canadian or to live in this country, you can’t help but feel grateful.  Health care is free; everyone is welcome; hockey is everywhere; and people are generally prosperous enough to not want for food or shelter.

Canadians also have a robustly self-deprecating sense of humour.  In my humble opinion, having the ability to laugh at yourself is critical to overall happiness in life.

Reason # 2:  Loved ones all around

Spending time with people we love and who love us back is a gift.  Our ability to enjoy our loved ones generally happens during the holidays.

Holidays are a time for family and friends.  Many wonderful memories are made spending time with parents, grandparents, nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers.  It is a time to savour because it doesn’t happen every day.

In addition, friends are usually available for breakfast or lunch, shopping or visiting.  Seeing good friends is always a reason to feel joyful.  I am looking forward to seeing one of my best girlfriends for breakfast just before Christmas.

Reason # 3:  A time for relaxation

There will be some down time after Christmas…definitely not before, but after.

You may be able to watch a movie or favourite TV show without interruption.  You may be able to sleep in or stay in your pajamas all day.  You may be able to read a book cover to cover.  You may be able to phone friends far away and talk for an hour or two.  Even minor hockey is taking a break from December 24^th to January 2^nd.

My eldest daughter loves to play cards.  She will buttonhole anyone who is around for a game or five. I find that playing games with my children is a great way to relax and enjoy down time over the holidays.

The beauty of down time is that there is nowhere you must go and no one you must see.  I intend to savour that experience in all its rarity.

Reason # 4:  Good food

The smells and sounds of Christmas are imprinted on our brains.  Many of the smells center around food.  My girlfriend bakes cookies for Christmas.  My mom makes turkey.  I make oatmeal pancakes with maple syrup.  My nephew makes cake.  My sister in law brings dip carved into dark rye bread.  My mother in law makes a sparkly juice drink.

Savouring the traditional food that will be on offer is one of the joys of the holidays.  Indulging in those pleasures is special because those foods only come around once a year.  Taking the time to really taste and enjoy those foods and to take in the aromas and smells is important.  Often a scent can take you immediately to a different place in your life.  So capture the magic of Christmas so you can conjure it up during the year when you most need it.

My children have advent calendars.  My littlest is still working on hers, once a day, steadily whereas my eldest had all of his eaten in the first two days then proceeded to finish his brother’s.  All four of them love the calendars whether they eat them each day or all at once.  The chocolate from the calendar is a food and tradition of Christmas that is imprinted in their minds.

Reason # 5:  Happiness and Good Cheer

Everyone seems a little happier over the holidays.  There is holiday cheer in the air.  People are generally off work.  The window displays in the stores are beautiful.  The stars seem to shine a little brighter in the night sky.  Children are wondering when Santa and his elves are coming.  There is anticipation and hope.

We often feel more generous over the holidays.  We have bigger hearts.  We are a little more relaxed after Christmas.  We can really drink in the happy vibrant moods in the air.

I love all the Christmas lights on display in the neighbourhood.  My littlest will point out every display with both wonder and admiration for the artistry at play.

Reason # 6:  Alive and well

Every day you wake up is a good day.  At its most fundamental, that is life.  If you are alive and well, you are lucky.

Being grateful for every moment, every relationship, every day, every new challenge and every new learning experience is important in creating happiness all year round.  Really focus on the things in your life you are thankful for over Christmas.  That is bound to make you feel joyful.

These are six reasons that I will be joyful this holiday season.  There are many more I have missed.  Each of us has different reasons to be joyful this holiday season.  Here’s hoping you can find six of your own.